The clinical significance of monitoring serum levels of glutathione peroxidase and selenium in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome

[Objective] This study aims to analyze the levels of the trace element selenium (Se), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the serum of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to women with normal menstrual cycles. By examining the relationship between Se levels, oxidative stress (OS), and PCOS, the study provides a theoretical basis for the supplementation of the potent antioxidant Se in women with PCOS, aiming to improve the prevention and management of PCOS and reduce its complications.[Methods] Sixty-six females diagnosed with PCOS for the first time from June 2022 to June 2023 at the Shenzhen Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian) were selected as the observation group. Sixty-eight healthy volunteers with regular menstrual cycles were randomly selected as the control group. Serum levels of GSH-Px, TAC, and Se were measured and statistically analyzed for both groups.[Results] Serum levels of Se, TAC, and GSH-Px were significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group (P<0.05), indicating a statistically significant difference.[Conclusion] The deficiency of the trace element Se leads to a reduction in OS indicators, including levels of GSH-Px and TAC. It is inferred that Se deficiency may be associated with the pathogenesis of PCOS to a certain extent.